Speedgolf makes its debut at the home of England Golf

England Golf staff picked up the pace when a Speedgolf demonstration was held on the Bracken course at their Woodhall Spa HQ in Lincolnshire. It turned the spotlight on the more athletic format which combines running and golf.

England Golf partners British Speedgolf through its Golf Express campaign, which encourages busy people to play more often, and during September it will be promoting this and other shorter and quicker formats of the game. 

The prospect of Golf Express Month encouraged England Golf Chief Executive Nick Pink to put on his running shoes and gain firsthand experience of the Speedgolf.

“I thought it was great fun. There were parts I had not really considered, like how to hold the bag whilst running, but for the first few holes I found that I actually played ok as I was not thinking about golf, just breathing. The challenge came as I got tired and the legs no longer moved! 

“There was plenty of chat afterwards and a real sense of camaraderie which bound the group together. I liked this side of it and can see Speedgolf spreading and being successful for those who want to combine playing with fun and fitness.”

He was among eight staff volunteers who joined the Speedgolfers and England Golf’s Participation and Club Support Director, Richard Flint, gave the experienced players a run for their money.

He shot round the nine holes in 23min 37 secs and took 43 strokes for a combined 66.37 Speedgolf score – and was beaten only by one experienced player, Chris Benians, a PGA professional and former European Tour player, and the runner up in last year’s British Speedgolf Open Championship.

Benians took slightly longer to play the course, but used fewer shots for his Speedgolf score of 59.11. Flint remarked afterwards: “Next time I would try and take more time on and around the greens – a few more seconds to save a few more shots.” 

England Golf volunteers took part for a range of reasons. “I like combination sports and trying to keep fit,” said Finance Director Simon Wilson. “I am not a good golfer and I am coming back gently into running after a long injury so I was not bothered how I did, but I wanted to gain some fun out of it and I certainly did that!”

Men’s Performance Manager Steve Burnett added: “I like running and golf so really wanted to give it a try and I was first on the list. I also liked the idea of just using one club and having lots of opportunity to be creative. I looked forward to the challenge, gave it a real go and really enjoyed it. I’d definitely do it again!” 

Speedgolfers are actually allowed to use up to seven clubs but tactics call for consideration of whether to take a bag or to carry fewer clubs by hand. 

Young People Manager Lee Dolby used the experience to successfully re–spark his love of running after a gap of five years. “I really enjoyed it. I thought that it might be a bit boring and lonely running on my own as I don’t like playing golf on my own or even practicing in the range, but I really enjoyed the balance between speed and accuracy.”

Speedgolf has introduced a new pairs format to add a social dimension to the game. Each player takes alternate shots but run together, always behind the ball, so the slower player sets the pace.

Not to be outshone in the Pairs were amateur golfers Mariette Hilborne and Kathy Leppard who have embraced the sport. The Duo completed their round in 33 minutes 53 seconds with just 45 golf strokes. 

Membership Marketing Manager Sam Czornyj is looking to the future with Speedgolf “At some point in the future when my partner and I start a family, SpeedGolf will become a great asset for still playing golf, staying healthy and balancing my family life when otherwise it might be difficult to justify five hours away at the weekend!” 

Speedgolfer Steve Jeffs remarked “As an amateur golfer who loves Speedgolf, it was really encouraging to see England Golf’s staff embrace the challenge. Speedgolf is great for the amateur game; not only for the fitness dimension but to re-engage golfers that struggle to find the time to play or those who enjoy hybrid sports.”

If you want to see Speedgolf first hand, head down to Piltdown Golf Club, East Sussex on 17 September to watch the British Open Speedgolf Championships.

Speedgolf World ranked No 1, Wes Cupp from the US ,will be taking on defending British Open Speedgolf champion Rob Hogan and various other PGA Pros and Amateurs. 

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